Search results
Explore the diverse and beautiful islands of the South Pacific, from Fiji to French Polynesia, with this comprehensive guide. Find out the best time to visit, how to get there, what to do and where to stay in each destination.
Apr 11, 2024 · Pacific Islands, geographic region of the Pacific Ocean. It comprises three ethnogeographic groupings—Melanesia, Micronesia, and Polynesia—but conventionally excludes Australia, the Indonesian, Philippine, and Japanese archipelagoes, and the Ryukyu, Bonin, Volcano, and Kuril island arcs beyond Japan.
- Rarotonga & the Cook Islands. Best for beaches and hospitality. Languages: English (official), Cook Islands Maori (Rarotongan) The Cook Islands mix Polynesian blue water and hospitality with New Zealand (who administer the islands) savoir faire.
- Fiji. Best for: friendly vibes and backpacker adventures. Languages: English, iTaukei, Fiji Hindi. Fiji receives nearly the same amount of visitors (about 630,000 annually) as the rest of the South Pacific combined but it still feels wild and exotic.
- Tahiti & French Polynesia. Best for: luxury resorts and surfing. Languages: French, Polynesian. With over 115 islands spanning five archipelagos, French Polynesia has it all from the legendary, luxe Bora Bora and its over-the-water-bungalows to uncountable forgotten islands perfect for Crusoe-wannabes looking for a basic beach bungalow.
- Vanuatu. Best for: volcanoes and hiking. Languages: (more than 100) Bislama (creole), English, French, others. If you want rumbling volcanoes, kava bars, shipwrecks to dive on and wild jungles to trek but still want your roads paved and your cheese French, Vanuatu is the place for you.
- Donna Heiderstadt
- Polynesia. This easternmost South Pacific region, which includes Hawaii, counts idyllic Tahiti and mysterious Easter Island among its treasures. Its ocean-going settlers, originally from Southeast Asia, are renowned for their navigation, having survived arduous journeys in dugout canoes as early as 1500 B.C.
- French Polynesia (Tahiti) Comprised of 118 islands, the most celebrated of which is Bora Bora, Tahiti is an independent nation with ties to France. With well- developed tourism on a dozen islands, Tahiti has been luring travelers for five decades with overwater bungalows, French-influenced cuisine, and exotic culture.
- The Cook Islands. Lesser-known than neighboring Tahiti, these 15 islands, named for English explorer Captain James Cook and run as a self-governing nation with ties to New Zealand, are home to 19,000 people renowned for their drumming and dancing.
- Samoa. This group of nine islands was the first in the Pacific to gain independence from western occupation. Upolu is the main island and tourism hub, but life here is still governed by Fa'a Samoa (The Samoan Way), where family and elders are respected and its 362 villages are presided over by 18,000 matai (chiefs).
- This French Polynesian island is the perfect place to go if you're looking to reconnect with nature, dial up the romance and pamper yourself while on vacation.
- Tahiti's international airport and variety of big-city amenities (think: diverse restaurants, exciting cultural events and abundant five-star resorts) make it a natural choice for a South Pacific vacation.
- Head to one or more of Fiji's 333 islands if you appreciate cultural activities and attractions as much as you enjoy spending time outdoors.
- Newlyweds who want to see a lesser-known side of French Polynesia should consider honeymooning on Moorea. This smaller island features the same kind of striking natural wonders and romantic accommodations couples will find on Bora Bora, but with a more relaxed atmosphere and lower price tags.
Feb 7, 2023 · Discover the best islands in the South Pacific for your dream holiday, from Bora Bora to Easter Island. Explore lagoons, beaches, reefs, and cultures with our guide and tips.
Learn about the three main areas of the South Pacific: Melanesia, Micronesia, and Polynesia. Explore the physical, cultural, and economic features of each region and its islands.
